Cooking fire A simulated cooking fire is seen in this image from a video created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

ROCHESTER — The Rochester Fire Department warns this time of year marks an increase in risk for household fires. Fire officials encourage the community to be safe this holiday season by following a few guidelines.

Many households engage in holiday activities that serve as some of the leading causes of home fires in the country, including hazards while cooking, candle usage and improperly decorated Christmas trees and other holiday décor, according to a department press release.

Rochester Fire Chief Norman Sanborn said adding in the hectic nature of the times with many people rushing to accomplish multiple tasks in advance of holiday celebrations can lead to accidents.

“As everyone gets busier during the holidays, we often become rushed, distracted or tired,” Sanborn said. “That's when home fires are more likely to occur.”

With a little added awareness and some minor adjustments to holiday cooking and decorating, the season can remain festive and safe for everybody, “by taking some preventive steps and following simple rules of thumb,” Sanborn added.

With unattended cooking as the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries, Sanborn asks chefs to stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food. Most cooking fires involve the stovetop, so keep anything that can catch fire away from it, and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it's for a short period of time.

If simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to set reminders. The Rochester Fire Department also suggests creating a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and kitchen areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.

On the issue of improper candle usage, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statistics show that more than half of all candle fires start because the candles have been too close to things that could catch fire. The fire department encourages residents to consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. When using traditional candles, keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep. Use candle holders that are sturdy which are then placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom where a reported two out of every five U.S. candle fires start. Lastly, never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.

Additionally, the NFPA reports fire departments nationwide annually respond to an average of 250 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four is caused by a heat source placed too close to the tree.

The fire department warns an artificial tree should be labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. A fresh tree should be well hydrated so that when touched, the green needles do not fall off. The department encourages residents before placing the tree in its stand to cut a couple of inches off the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.

“The holidays can quickly turn from joyful to tragic when a fire occurs,” Sanborn said. “By taking simple precautions, people can avoid potential fire hazards, and make this time of year a healthy and happy one.”